The Morning After Diwali: A Call for Awareness and Action to Dismantle Our Urban Gas Chambers

This morning, the day after Diwali, I saw AQI levels in parts of Delhi soaring from around 300 to a staggering 1007. Like many others, I chose to wait until after Diwali to discuss this—after all, this festival of light and togetherness is deeply significant, as are Christmas, Eid, and countless other celebrations we hold dear. But now that the celebrations are behind us, is this the right time to reflect on the air we breathe? The answer seems clear. We’re not just talking about an uncomfortable environment but one that’s increasingly unhealthy, hazardous, and, in some cases, disastrous. Firecrackers are just a symptom of a broader lack of awareness around the globe about the seriousness of our air quality crisis—and all of us are contributing to it.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to AQI levels over 300 can cause serious, long-term health impacts, including chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, weakened immune function, and even cognitive decline. High AQI levels can especially harm vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. For details, Click here.

This isn’t about dampening the spirit of celebration but rather expanding it—embracing an awareness that the choices we make, especially around festivals, can significantly impact our environment and, ultimately, our health and well-being.

Perhaps it’s time we ask ourselves:

• What can we change to balance celebration with sustainability?
• Can we make festivals a time to unite not only in joy but also in conscious, collective action for a healthier future?

Awareness is the first step toward lasting change, but let’s not stop at awareness or simply blame the government or feel like victims. A comprehensive study that integrates existing research, builds consensus and drives resolute action would be a great step forward.

In the meantime, here are steps we can take to feel empowered and make a difference:

1. Engage with Family and Friends Start conversations to raise awareness of the seriousness of this issue. Help your loved ones understand that the air we breathe affects our health and theirs. Also, measure the air so one can understand what one is breathing - or use an app that gives data on air quality around us. For more information.
2. Create Your List of Small, Impactful Actions Simple steps can make a big difference. Choose not to support toxic practices around festivals in your immediate circles. This could mean opting for eco-friendly celebrations, or if you feel strongly, consider letting friends know that you’ll refrain from attending gatherings that contribute to harmful pollution, whether for Diwali, Christmas, Eid, or other events. To learn more visit Karmalakelands.
3. Pay Attention to Sustainable Practices - Plant Trees: Trees are natural air purifiers, absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. Planting even a few trees in your community can have a lasting impact. Listen to Peepal Baba. Visit the Devkad Forrest. Start Composting Biodegradable Waste: Instead of discarding food waste, compost it to enrich the soil in your garden or community green spaces. This reduces landfill waste and returns nutrients to the earth. Avoid Single-Use Products: Choose reusable items like flasks and cloth handkerchiefs. By eliminating single-use plastics, you’re helping reduce plastic pollution, which also has an impact on air quality. Consider a Vegetarian Diet Improve your health: Reducing meat consumption can lessen demand on industries contributing to deforestation and pollution, and lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat production.

By incorporating even a few of these practices into our lives, we take active steps toward cleaner air, less waste, and a healthier, more resilient planet.

Together, our small steps can contribute to a larger movement toward a sustainable future. Let’s commit to protecting our air, our communities, and our future.

Diki Bhutia Ashwani Khurana Peepal Baba Anil Sachdev Prasad Kaipa Raghu Ananthanarayanan Somayaji Manikantan Barun Aggarwal